The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), James D. Lalu has said that Video Relay Service (VRS) will aid Deaf persons to communicate seamlessly without involving a third party (interpreter).
Head, Media and Publicity Unit of the NCPWD, Mbanefo John Michael, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday.
The ES, who hosted the CEO, Empowers Technology, Mr. Nwokoma Sampson in his office showed excitement at Mr. Nwokoma’s zeal to import the technology back home from the United States of America for benefits of Persons with hearing impediment.
Lalu remarked that had the software been introduced to Nigeria years earlier, it would have facilitated the communication processes between the deaf community and larger society.
Lalu went on to confirm that the message will be conveyed to the Minister of Communication who had promised to facilitate any technological development that emanates from Persons with Disabilities.
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He further assured that the innovation will be presented to the appropriate government bodies such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the Federal Ministry of Communications for consideration and approval in order to make the communication line easier.
He also added that the Video Relay Service software will be domiciled with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to protect their intellectual property.
In a swift response, the CEO, Empowers Technology, Mr. Nwokoma Sampson commended the ES for the years of struggle which preceded actualization of the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. He remarked that the meeting with the ES was scheduled over a year ago but was delayed due to the COVID-19 global restriction order.
Nwokoma explained that the software works in a cycle of communication where information produced by the deaf person will be processed in a server which translates message to the receiver with feedback mechanism without the interference of a physical interpreter. He further said the device helps in the narration process to the understanding of the deaf while simultaneously helping to improve their communication in English language.
He said the VRS is an innovation that had been in operation in the United States of America for many years, and now wants it replicated in Nigeria. He also promised to provide the necessary collaboration between the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), America and other relevant agencies of Government in order to make the vision a reality.